William H. Pitsenbarger
United States Air Force Medal of Honor recipient / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
William Hart Pitsenbarger (July 8, 1944 – April 11, 1966) was a United States Air Force Pararescueman who flew on almost 300 rescue missions during the Vietnam War to aid downed soldiers and pilots.
Quick Facts Nickname(s), Born ...
William H. Pitsenbarger | |
---|---|
Nickname(s) | "Pits" |
Born | (1944-07-08)July 8, 1944 Piqua, Ohio, United States |
Died | April 11, 1966(1966-04-11) (aged 21) Xa Cam My, Cẩm Mỹ, Dong Nai, South Vietnam |
Buried | Miami Memorial Park Cemetery, Covington, Ohio |
Allegiance | United States |
Service/ | United States Air Force |
Years of service | 1962–1966 |
Rank | Staff sergeant[lower-alpha 1] |
Unit | 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron |
Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
Awards | Medal of Honor Airman's Medal Purple Heart Air Medal (10) |
Close
On April 11, 1966, Pitsenbarger was killed aiding and defending a unit of soldiers pinned down by an enemy assault during the Vietnam War. Before his death, he helped save over 60 men in the battle.[1][2] He was posthumously awarded the Air Force Cross, which was later upgraded to the Medal of Honor.[3]